Appeal launched to trace white Audi as police probe murder of Michael Beaton in Greenock

An appeal has been launched to trace a car after a man died after being struck by a vehicle and then attacked with a bladed weapon in Greenock.

Michael Beaton was found with serious injuries in Drumfrochar Road at around 7.20pm on Sunday, November 26.

He was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow where he died a few hours later.

Initial enquiries have revealed that Mr Beaton was struck by a car and then attacked with a bladed weapon and officers are now appealing to the public for any information in relation a white Audi Q2, which is believed to be accident-damaged.

Detective chief inspector Lynsey Watters, from the Major Investigations Team (West), said: “Extensive enquiries are being carried out to establish the exact circumstances of Mr Beaton’s death and I am appealing to anyone who saw the car around the time of the incident, or has any information that could help us in tracing it to get in touch.

“This was an extremely violent attack that has shocked the local community. I would like to reassure those living in the area that everything possible is being done to trace those responsible and that there will be an increased police presence in the area while enquiries continue.

“I would urge anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to contact us. I’d also ask people to check their dashcam and ring doorbell footage in case they have captured something on it which could be vital to our inquiry.”

Anyone with information can contact police via 101 quoting incident number 2790 of November 26, 2023, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.

An online portal has also been set up to send information directly to the police.